They considered several objections from near neighbours who said the area, off Grange Road, would encourage anti-social behaviour and there were other shops selling alcohol close by.

The applicant had said that staff would be fully trained and operate a Challenge 25 policy, CCTV would cover all entrances and exits and groups outside would be discouraged.

Committee chairman Councillor Ray Martin-Wells said at the meeting: “The members of the Licensing Sub-Committee have taken all the evidence into account that has been put before them, and they feel on balance that there are sufficient concerns that the licensing objectives will not be promoted by this application, in particular prevention of public nuisance.

“Therefore the sub-committee unanimously refuses this application.”

Thirteen letters and emails and a petition from residents objecting to the licence application were lodged with the council.

They warned of likely problems with noise, people drinking in the street, litter, residents being able to park and affect school children going to school.

They said there was also a chance it could increase racial tension between community groups.

One resident wrote: “I believe it will be most detrimental to the area, with the return of public nuisance and disorder, due to increased attraction from younger elements of the public to congregate outside the shop, which is directly opposite a place of worship and backs on to a residential care home. There are already other shops nearby that sell alcohol and another one is not welcome or needed.”